Frank asks, “Recently we had a large maple removed from our side yard and would like to replace it with a similar sized tree that is unique and special.”
Frank there are a number of smaller flowering trees such as Dogwood, Red buds, Crab apple, and other spring blooming trees. If you want to plant something larger that has a “wow” factor, I suggest you check into the Tricolored Beech trees.
Advertisement - Story continues below
Request advertising info. View All.
The tree is very unusual due to its colorful leaves of green, white and purple. Another variety has hot pink, green and white leaves. (Fagus sylvatica European Beech.’Purpurea Tricolor’ and ‘Roseo-marginata’ Tricolor.) The long-lived tree is a slow grower, but eventually will reach 35 to 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide. It turns a bright copper color in the fall and produces small tasty beechnuts. They prefer partial shade and hot sunshine may burn the edges of the leaves turning the tips brown. They don’t like to stand in water, but do better with constant moisture and are very intolerant of salt in the soil from snow and ice removal.
The tree is very striking and will draw a lot of attention from people passing by!
In town on a street where I often walk, there are two varieties of Tricolored European Beech planted near each other. From a distance the trees have a rosy glow! It is a tree of distinction and will be a show stopper in your neighborhood.
Ask the Gardener
If you have any gardening questions you would like to ask Rick or topics you would love to see him cover please feel free to drop him a note and ASK THE GARDENER here.